Moondrop Block Review: Blocked From a Breakthrough

Since the Apple AirPods hit the market, many brands started releasing their own set of wireless earbuds. The appeal is simple: who doesn’t want to ditch tangly cables and enjoy wireless freedom? However, as with most wireless tech, compromises are often made. Latency and sound quality, for example, frequently take a hit for the sake of convenience.

Moondrop’s initial foray into the wireless earbuds market, the Sparks, stirred quite a bit of buzz, but it ultimately fell short of expectations. Since then, Moondrop released a slew of models like the Nekocake, Alice, Space Travel, and Golden Ages. Amidst this flood, the Moondrop Block and Ultrasonic were released simultaneously, adding to the brand’s rather crowded lineup of wireless earbuds.

What I am reviewing today is the Block, a rather basic single dynamic driver, open-ear style earbuds. For only $15 – that comes up to about RM65 – is the Block worth it? Let’s find out.

What It Is

The Moondrop Block features a 13mm dynamic driver, a setup that’s similar to a number of other Moondrop wireless earbuds that came before it. With Bluetooth 5.4, the Block benefits from the latest advancements in wireless technology. This version of Bluetooth should translate to better connectivity and reduced latency.

Tuned according to Moondrop’s VDSD target response curve, the Block aims to deliver a balanced and natural sound profile. Despite this goal, the Block’s tuning results in a sound signature that feels…flat, and it lacks the depth and dynamism one might expect. I’ll elaborate more further down the review.

In terms of battery life, the Block fares reasonably well for its asking price. The earbuds themselves can last up to six hours on a single charge, which is fairly standard for wireless earbuds. The accompanying charging case extends the overall usage time to about 15 hours, and the case itself requires around 1.5 hours to fully recharge; not too long of a wait.

A notable feature of the Block is the 55ms low-latency gaming mode. This mode is designed to minimise audio lag, making it a practical addition to gamers who need audio to sync closely with on-screen actions. This low-latency feature is a neat addition, though I still notice some latency when watching videos.

And then there are the touch controls of the Block, which allow users to manage basic functions like music playback and switching between different modes. Unfortunately, these controls feel quite finicky in my experience, often requiring multiple taps for the earbuds to register my inputs.

Offered in White, Pink, and Black, the Block features a design that I personally find quite unique with a minimalist aesthetic. However, the build quality of the wireless earbuds is consistent with its price point; that is, the build quality is adequate, but it doesn’t feel particularly robust or premium.

According to Moondrop, the Block incorporates beamforming technology with environmental noise cancellation (ENC) to enhance call quality. This is done by focusing on the user’s voice while reducing background noise. But in my testing, background noise remains noticeable during calls, which diminishes the overall functionality of the feature.

How Does It Sound?

Moondrop describes the Block’s sound profile as having a “classic flathead earbud timbre,” but this characterisation may be more nostalgic than innovative. The sound quality is marked by a low-resolution profile, with thin audio that lacks detail and depth. The overall listening experience is functional, but…well, uninspiring.

Anyway, the tuning of the Block leans to the warmer side of things and is more laid-back. It’s a flat and safe tuning that Moondrop has opted for here.

Bass

Being open-ear earbuds, the Block naturally faces limitations in delivering deep sub-bass. However, the mid-bass performance of the Block is surprisingly engaging. Despite the lack of a perfect seal that IEMs offer, these earbuds still manage to produce a punchy and impactful mid-bass response.

Mids

Vocals, regardless of gender and genre, are quite upfront with the Block, though they are still thin-sounding. This thinness affects the overall impact of the vocals, making them sound less rich and engaging than one might hope. While this can be a drawback to those who seek a more vibrant and impactful vocal performance, the Block’s mid-range is still serviceable for casual listening.

Highs

The treble response of the Block is rolled off. This lack of extension may not be desirable, but it does result in a smoother, less sibilant sound that can be beneficial for reducing fatigue over extended listening periods. However, it also means that the Block does not fully capture the sparkle and detail that, say, an IEM might offer.

Is It Worth It?

For $15, the Moondrop Block offers a basic wireless earbud experience with reasonably good battery life and connectivity. However, if your budget allows for a bit more flexibility, you might want to consider skipping a few days’ worth of bubble tea and go for the Moondrop Space Travel instead. It provides superior sound quality, app support, and active noise cancelling for only slightly more money ($25).

That is not to say the Block is not worth considering, of course. One significant advantage of the Block is its ultra-compact and lightweight design, making it incredibly easy to fit into your pocket or a backpack without adding any noticeable bulk. This point alone may make it a worthwhile purchase for some folks.